In Vivo Evaluation of Eclipta Alba Extract as Anticancer and Multidrug Resistance Reversal Agent

In 2014, a study investigated the effects of Eclipta alba extract (EAE) on liver cancer and multidrug resistance (MDR) in male Wistar rats. The rats were induced with liver cancer and MDR using diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF). The study found that EAE treatment decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, normalized alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, inhibited matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and reduced mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB) and the mdr1 gene encoding P-glycoprotein. Histopathological examination showed liver tissue recovery, and serum profiling indicated reduced liver enzyme levels. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis identified three major compounds in EAE, including the most abundant glycine [N-methyl-N-(1-oxododecyl)]. The study concluded that EAE has potential as an anticancer agent and MDR reversal agent, with four animals used in each observation and statistically significant results.